Resource history

The Scottish Executive (now called the Scottish Government) is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and social justice for all. Scotland's society is dynamic and culturally diverse and we are all the stronger for the variety of cultures, nationalities and faiths that thrive here. Religious intolerance is simply not acceptable in a modern multi-faith and multicultural society such as Scotland, where people must be able to follow their religion without fear or prejudice. That is why we must tackle all forms of sectarian bigotry and religious intolerance.

A commitment to tackling sectarian bigotry and religious intolerance was given in 'A Partnership for a Better Scotland' in May 2003. This document set out the principles which guide the development and implementation of policies for Scotland.

Jack McConnell, Scotland's (then) First Minister, stated:

'I want Scotland to be a society where we respect cultural differences, and celebrate our rich and diverse religious traditions. I want all Scots to be proud of the Scotland we live in today … We cannot allow ourselves to be dragged down by the deadweight of religious hatred and sectarian bigotry. Modern Scotland must challenge bigoted attitudes and bigoted behaviour wherever it is found … Scotland will no longer tolerate acts of religious hatred.'

Sectarian bigotry has blighted the lives of many individuals and communities in Scotland and Scottish Ministers are determined to tackle this issue once and for all. The problems that are associated with sectarianism are problems that we face as a society and we all have a role to play in ridding Scotland of intolerance and bigoted behaviour. In recognition of this, the First Minister held a Summit on Sectarianism on 14 February 2005 which brought together key interests and stakeholders to discuss how sectarianism affects Scotland as a society and how we can work together to address these problems. The attendees at the Summit represented a broad range of areas and organisations including education bodies, religious groups, sports organisations, march organisers, the police, private industry, the trade union movement, the media and voluntary groups. There was broad commitment from these organisations to work together to tackle bigotry and this resource is part of the work that we are taking forward to achieve real benefits for the people of Scotland.

The education representatives at the Summit included the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland (CERES), who, in partnership with the Scottish Human Rights Centre (SHRC) and Nil By Mouth (NBM), were awarded the contract to carry forward the education project in February 2004.